‘The Muppets’ Kermit Voice Actor Replaced After 27 Years

Even as a sizable portion of Kermit the Frog’s current popularity stems from voiceless internet memes, there’s no mistaking one of The Muppets‘ most froggy tones. Well, we may need to re-tune our years, as Kermit voice Steve Whitmire will step down after twenty-seven years for mysterious reasons.

Muppet fan site Tough Pigs first reported that Whitmire (who himself took over for Jim Henson at his son Brian’s behest) will leave the franchise behind after nearly three decades, while The Hollywood Reporter notes that the studio “declined to discuss the details behind Whitmire’s departure.” Whitmire also voiced Rizzo the Rat, Beaker and more.

That said, it’s confirmed that Muppets performer Matt Vogel will take over vocal duties for Kermit the Frog, with the first instance arriving with next week’s “Muppets Thought of the Week” segment. Whitmire joined The Muppets in 1978 for The Muppet Show, taking over for Kermit in 1990 and continuing through ABC’s “adult-themed” The Muppets, though it’s worth noting that Vogel portrayed Kermit’s double “Constantine” in the Muppets Most Wanted film.

It remains to be seen if further details of Whitmire’s exit will arise, but will Muppets fans be able to tell the difference?